Pere Lachaise, Mark Ballogg

How does a young man from the Midwest, lacking focus and limited means, produce a photography book of a world famous cemetery in Paris?

In 1976 I wandered into a now defunct Chicago photography store, Helix, and purchased a Nikkormat 35mm SLR camera with a 50mm lens. At the time, I was marginally interested in photography, but I needed a camera to document my artwork. After briefly looking at the manual, I realized I needed formal instruction to utilize the full potential of my $500 investment.

After two weeks of Photo 1 classes at Chicago's Columbia College, I was hooked. The dual nature of photography appealed to my interests in art and science, but I lacked the income to fund full-time studies. My instructor, Jim Gail, gave me a position as a teaching assistant in the photo studio. Working as a TA, supplemented by a part-time job in a commercial photography studio, made it possible to attend Columbia College full time.

My days at Columbia were energizing, including lively Saturday afternoon conversations with Bob Edmunds. Bob taught a film lighting course and stopped into the photo studio to kill an hour while his students tackled one of his lighting assignments. During one of our conversations, Bob asked what where my plans after graduation. Spur of the moment, I blurted out, "I'd love to visit Europe, but I'm not sure how I would make that happen." Bob quickly responded, “I can help you get a scholarship, probably in Holland. Just check back with me during your senior year. I'll see what I can do.”

The first three years flew by. I ran into Bob in the hall, reminding him of his generous offer. Without hesitation, he promised to get on it right away. Several weeks later, he popped his head into his film history class and motioned me into the hall. With a twinkle in his eye, he asked if I would like to go to Paris for a year-long scholarship.

My fate was sealed; I wrapped up my last year at Columbia and landed in Paris in 1981.

Details: 12" x 12", signed